(Image source from: Is NASA developing 'flying firefighters'?})

NASA is developing drones that would be able to detect fires and also extinguish the flames before it becomes uncontrollable. The US space agency is out to develop such firefighters.

Scientists at NASA's Langley Research Centre in Virginia are in the process of designing and developing such 'flying firefighters'.

NASA aerospace engineer Mike Logan reportedly said that the drone will help them to detect smoke plumes rising from any area. And the camera fitted in the drone would help them to look at hot spots, added  Logan.

At present the drones are goings through tests at the military aviation museum in Pungo, Virginia.

The unmanned aircraft has been developed at a cost of $5,000-$10,000. However the cost of operating the drones would be as little as $50 per flight.

The drones will last in air for around 20 to 25 minutes, flying at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.

NASA's Mike Logan has plans to use this small unmanned aerial vehicle to check for fires at a Virginia-North Carolina wildlife refuge.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)